Mayor Proclaims August Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Ava Mayor Eddie Maggard signed a proclamation at City Hall this week, designating the month of August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. A large group of mothers and children watched as the mayor signed the proclamation.

Breastfeeding Month Proclamation
Whereas, the people of Ava and Douglas County are deserving of good health; and
Whereas, all available knowledge indicates that human milk optimally enhances the growth, development and well-being of the infant by providing the best possible nutrition, protection against specific infection and allergies, and the promotion of maternal and infant bonding; and
Whereas, breastfeeding promotes healthier mothers and benefits society through lower health care costs for infants, a healthier workforce, stronger family bonds, less waste and
Whereas, breastfeeding is economical, providing its benefits at little or no cost and
Whereas, breastfeeding is recognized by major medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Dietetic Association, the National Association of WIC Directors, UNICEF and WHO as the preferred method of infant feeding and they support breastfeeding throughout the early years of life; and
Whereas, La Leche League in the USA Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 2012 in conjunction with the annual World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2012, which is proclaimed by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action along with the World Health Organization and UNICEF; and
Whereas, the families of Ava, Missouri need reliable sources of information to make an informed choice about the care and feeding of their infants;
Now therefore, I, Eddie Maggard, Mayor of Ava, do hereby proclaim the month of August 2012 as
Breastfeeding Awareness Month
With special emphasis on breastfeeding promotion and urge all citizens to join me in seeking reliable nutrition information and supporting breastfeeding as a high priority for healthier babies in our city.
Eddie Maggard, Mayor